Date (Old Style): July 2nd. On this day in Russia, Bereginya, a great Slavic deity revered as the mother of all spirits and all the earth's wealth, was honored. She was often depicted as a white-barked birch tree. Therefore, girls would go to the forest to pay their respects to this tree and ask for happiness in love. On Bereginya’s day, one could attempt to enchant a beloved. For this, a small birch twig had to be secretly placed on the doorstep. As soon as the young man stepped over this twig, the girl would immediately pick it up and hide it in a dry place, saying: "As this twig dries, so let him (the young man's name) wither from love for me." Birch trees were generally considered magical. In Russia, it was believed that they protected people and homes from the wiles of evil forces. Therefore, birch trees were often planted near houses. Some researchers believe that "bereginyas" were also called rusalkas - "shore maidens." Not surprisingly, Bereginya helped fishermen, granting them a rich catch in response to their requests for help. She was also known as the protector of all those living along riverbanks. Moreover, Bereginya helped peasants in almost any endeavor: she protected livestock, endowed herbs with healing properties, and nourished fruits and vegetables. During the haymaking season, it was customary to take embroidered towels to the meadows and use them to wash up, to gain health and strength. However, harvesting was not recommended on this day. With the spread of Christianity, the image of Bereginya merged with the image of the Virgin Mary, and on this day people honored "Mother Moist Virgin Mary." The holiday was also called the day of Peter's Mother - after Saint Peter, who was commemorated shortly before this. On this day, it was noted: if many yellow leaves appeared on the trees, autumn and winter would come early. Name Days on this Day Arseny, Photius